Eyewear Measuring Systems, Methods and Devices

ABSTRACT

Systems, methods and devices for measuring eyewear characteristics are provided. The eyewear measurement systems and devices comprise a plurality of measurement standard frames, each having lenses marked with visible gridlines specifically configured to the measurement standard frame to allow for the direct measurement of a PD and SH/FH with respect to each eye of the wearer.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The current application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 15/659,388, filed Jul. 25, 2017, which claims priority to U.S.Provisional Application No. 62/366,542, filed Jul. 25, 2016, thedisclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in theirentireties.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Eyewear measuring systems, methods and devices, including systems,methods and devices for measuring pupillary distance andmultifocal/fitting or segment height are provided.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

An eyeglass prescription is an order written by an eyewear prescriber,such as an optometrist or ophthalmologist, that specifies the value ofall parameters the prescriber has deemed necessary to construct and/ordispense corrective lenses appropriate for a patient. If an examinationindicates that corrective lenses are appropriate, the prescribergenerally provides the patient with an eyewear prescription at theconclusion of the exam.

The parameters specified on spectacle prescriptions vary, but typicallyinclude the power to which each lens should be made in order to correctblurred vision due to refractive errors, including myopia, hyperopia,astigmatism, and presbyopia. It is typically determined using aphoropter and asking the patient which of two lenses is better, or bycomputer automated refractor, or through the technique of retinoscopy. Adispensing optician will take a prescription written by an optometristor ophthalmologist and order and/or assemble the frames and lenses tothen be dispensed and sold to the patient.

In addition to the correction parameters certain physical parametersmust be measured to ensure the proper fit of the corrective optic to thewearer. Two key parameters are pupillary distance and segment height orfitting height. Pupillary Distance (PD) is the distance between pupilcenters, usually expressed in millimeters. It is sometimes known as theInterpupillary Distance (IPD). It is written as two values if theprescription is for bifocals or progressive lenses—these are thepupillary distances for the distance and near fixation (essentially, theupper and lower part of the lenses). They differ due to pupillaryconvergence when looking at near objects. Additionally, an eyeglassesprescription may include a monocular pupillary distance (“monocularPD”), especially in situations of non-symmetrical faces. Thesemeasurements indicate, in millimeters, the distances from the center ofeach pupil to the center of the nose where the center of the framebridge rests. PD measurements are essential for all spectacledispensings, monocular PDs being essential in progressive lenses and forthose with high prescription. Segment Height (SH), also known as SegHeight, in a multifocal lens, such as a progressive or bifocal lens,also referred to as Fitting Height (FH) in single vision lens, is thevertical measurement in millimeters from the bottom of the lens in aframe, to the center of pupil for a single vision or a progressive lens,or to the bottom of lower eyelid for a lined bifocal. The determinedsegment height/fitting height is specific to each frame and wearer.

SH/FH and PD values are typically measured by a skilled professionalusing a pupilometer and/or by using a ruler. The need to haveprofessional optical staff make these key measurements limits theability of retailers to expand into the area of prescription opticalframes, such as for example, for prescription sunglasses. Accordingly, aneed exists for a simplified eyewear measuring system.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The application is directed to eyewear measuring systems, devices andmethods.

Many embodiments are directed to an eyewear measurement systemincluding:

-   -   at least one measurement standard eyewear frame having one or        more lenses;    -   wherein the one or more lenses have a set of visible        interconnecting gridlines having vertical and horizontal axes        disposed thereon, the lenses and gridlines configured to be        overlaid atop a user's pupils when worn by a user; and    -   wherein the vertical and horizontal axes are separately labeled        and configured to be indicative of at least pupillary distance        and segment height such that each coordinate point on the grid        provides a simultaneous measurement of both pupillary distance        and segment height of a user's pupil in a single measurement.

In other embodiments the system includes a plurality of differentiallysized standard eyewear frames.

In still other embodiments the gridlines are bounded by a visibleperimeter box.

In yet other embodiments separate interconnecting gridlines are providedfor each of the user's pupils.

In still yet other embodiments the grid has an overall shape selectedfrom the group consisting of squares, rectangles, circles, and polygons.

In still yet other embodiments the horizontal axis provides one ofeither pupillary or interpupillary distance.

In still yet other embodiments the vertical axis provides the segmentheight.

In still yet other embodiments the coordinates on the gridline provide adirect measurement of both pupillary distance and segment height.

In still yet other embodiments the coordinates on the gridline arearbitrary and the measurement of both pupillary distance and segmentheight are provided by a separate lookup table.

In still yet other embodiments the grids are etched into the lenses.

In still yet other embodiments the grids are attached to the lenses by atransparent removable film.

Many other embodiments are directed to methods of measuring the positionof a user's pupil including:

-   -   providing a measurement standard eyewear frame having one or        more lenses, wherein the one or more lenses have a set of        visible interconnecting gridlines having vertical and horizontal        axes disposed thereon, and wherein the vertical and horizontal        axes are separately labeled and configured to be indicative of        at least pupillary distance and segment height such that each        coordinate point on the grid provides a simultaneous measurement        of both pupillary distance and segment height of a user's pupil        in a single measurement;    -   positioning the measurement standard eyewear frame on the user's        face such that the gridlines overlay atop the user's pupils;    -   determining the coordinate of the gridlines centered on each of        the user's pupils; and    -   obtaining the pupillary distance and segment height of each of        the user's pupils from the determined coordinates.

In other embodiments the method includes marking the position of theuser's pupils on the lenses.

In still other embodiments the measurer is positioned at a distance ofbetween 15 to 20 inches from the user.

In yet other embodiments the method includes looking up the coordinatein a separate lookup table.

In still yet other embodiments the method includes repeating themeasurement at least twice for each pupil.

In still yet other embodiments the gridlines are bounded by a visibleperimeter box.

In still yet other embodiments separate interconnecting gridlines areprovided for each of the user's pupils.

In still yet other embodiments the horizontal axis provides one ofeither pupillary or interpupillary distance.

In still yet other embodiments the vertical axis provides the segmentheight.

Additional embodiments and features are set forth in part in thedescription that follows, and in part will become apparent to thoseskilled in the art upon examination of the specification or may belearned by the practice of the disclosure. A further understanding ofthe nature and advantages of the present disclosure may be realized byreference to the remaining portions of the specification and thedrawings, which forms a part of this disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The description will be more fully understood with reference to thefollowing figures, which are presented as exemplary embodiments of theinvention and should not be construed as a complete recitation of thescope of the invention, wherein:

FIG. 1 provides a schematic of an eyewear measurement systemincorporating an alpha-numeric grid in accordance with embodiments ofthe invention;

FIG. 2 provides a schematic of another embodiment of an eyewearmeasurement system incorporating an alpha-numeric grid in accordancewith embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 3 provides a schematic of an eyewear measurement systemincorporating a numeric grid in accordance with embodiments of theinvention; and

FIG. 4 provides a flowchart of a method for eyewear measurement inaccordance with embodiments of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Turning now to the drawings, systems, methods and devices for measuringeyewear characteristics are described. In many embodiments, eyewearmeasurement systems and devices comprise a plurality of measurementstandard frames, each having lenses marked with visible gridlinesspecifically configured to the measurement standard frame to allow forthe direct measurement of a PD and SH/FH with respect to each eye of thewearer. In many such embodiments the lenses of the measurement standardframes are engraved with the visible gridlines. In various embodiments,the vertical and horizontal lines of the gridlines are each providedwith a label, such as a unique numeric or alphanumeric character. Insome embodiments the lenses are designed of materials that allow for themarking of a point on the gridline by a suitable marking medium, suchas, for example, an ink (indelible or erasable or waterproof) or othermarking material. Other embodiments are directed to methods ofperforming eyewear measurements using the eyewear measurement systemsand devices.

As shown in FIG. 1, in many embodiments an eyewear measurement device isprovided comprising a standard measurement frame (10), which may be aspecific frame design or a frame of a size that may be substituted as ageneric version of the specific frame designs of interest. The standardmeasurement frame (10) is provided with a set of measurement grids (12 &12′) on each of the lenses (14) of the frame. The measurement grids (12& 12′) are each formed of a plurality of interconnecting gridlines (16)bounded by a surrounding perimeter box to provide a visual boundary tothe grid. Although a rectangular grid is shown in the figures, it shouldbe understood that grid having other shapes, including squares, circlesand other polygons may be provided so long as a grid coordinate systemcan be defined in association with the horizontal and vertical gridlinesof the grid. Regardless of the shape of the grid or the number of thegridlines, the gridlines (16) are each labeled (18) such that a uniquecoordinate may be determined and recorded for each lens via a singlemeasurement.

In many embodiments the generic version of the frame design isconfigured such that the placement of the pupil relative to the gridlineis conserved. This can be accomplished, for example, by ensuring thatthe position of the bridge when placed on the wearer's nose disposes thegrid formed on the lenses centrally relative to the position of thewearer's pupils. In such embodiments the outer configuration of thelenses and frame are irrelevant provided that the bridge and gridlinemeasurements of the generic frame overlap those of the specific framebeing measured. For example that the height and width measurements tothe center of the lens relative to the wearer's face are the same forthe generic and specific frames. Using such generic frames it ispossible to reduce the number of different frames needed to accomplishmeasurement for a wide array of different frame styles.

As shown in FIG. 1, the grids (12 & 12′) are located on the lens suchthat they overlap the location of the wearer's pupil (20) when the frame(10) is properly positioned on the wearer's face. Although a grid (12)that is inscribed on only a central portion of each lens (14) thatdirectly overlaps the pupil of the wearer's eye is shown in FIG. 1, itshould be understood that the grid be formed to overlay atop a greaterproportion of the lens (14), as shown schematically in FIG. 2. Any suchsize and position of grid may be contemplated in association with thestandard measurement frames of the application so long as the grid atleast overlaps the portion of each lens of the frame where the wearer'spupil will be located when the frames are worn by the wearer. Inaddition, the grid can be further customized per each specific frame sothat it only shows the valid range for fitting that frame based on thelens selected, e.g., by providing a colored portion of the grid thatmust overlap the wearer's eyes to make a measurement. For example, anadult frame grid when worn by a child will likely not be positioned in amanner such that the central portion of the grid is disposed in front ofthe child's pupils thus indicating that the wearer should select anotherappropriate frame.

In addition, although the grids (12 & 12′) of FIGS. 1 and 2 shown gridlabels (18) where a unique alpha-numeric code is provided, it should beunderstood that the grid label may include any combination of markingscapable of allowing a user to determine and record a unique coordinateidentifier. For example, the labels (18) may be purely numeric, as shownin FIG. 3, or may include symbols, colors or other identifying features.Regardless of the specific labels used for the grids, it should beunderstood that the horizontal axis of the grid will provide thepupillary or interpupillary distance (PD), while the vertical axis ofthe grid will provide the segment height (SH)/Fitting Height (FH). Adescription of the method for determining both PD and SH/FH will beprovided in greater detail below. Although the grid labels (18) could bearbitrary such that a corresponding look-up chart would be consultedduring measurement to determine the PD and SH/FH of the specific frame,in other embodiments the labels provide a direct measurement of thedistance of the coordinate space from the center of the frame (e.g., thePD measurement), and/or the distance from the bottom of the frame (e.g.,the SH/FH measurement). Regardless of the specific grid or gridlinesused, the grid system in accordance with embodiments allows for thedetermination of both PD and SH/FH in a single measurement, reducing thechance for error.

In many embodiments, the lens may be formed of a glass, plastic or othertransparent material suitable for use in forming a lens capable ofallowing the wearer's pupil to be seen therethrough. In variousembodiments, the grid disposed on the lenses may be marked or etchedpermanently into the lens itself. Alternatively, the grid lines may beapplied via decal, sticker, paint, ink, etc. In addition, the lens ofthe standard measurement frames may be coated such as by a vinyl,acrylic or polypropylene material, such that the proper grid coordinatemay be directly and removably marked. Alternatively, the system mayinclude a special pen or pencil that enables the removable marking ofthe standard measurement frame, such as a xylene and/or toluene freemarker or a grease pencil, for example. Finally, in many otherembodiments where engraved gridlines, such as by marking or etchingaccomplished by mechanical, electrochemical, or other means, areutilized the lenses of the standard measurement frames may be treatedwith a coating such that the gridlines are clearly visible, such as viaa translucent paint or pigment.

Although only a single standard measurement frame device is shown in theschematics provided in FIGS. 1 to 3, it will be understood that anynumber of standard measurement frames may be provided with the eyewearmeasurement system such that all frame designs offered by any particularretail establishment may have a corresponding measurement frame suitablefor providing measurements for said frame. In turn, each standardmeasurement frame would require a separate look-up chart correspondingto that frame and grid system. Embodiments of the eyewear measurementsystem incorporate these various measurement frames and look-up charts.

Turning now to methods of measuring the eye, FIG. 4 provides a flowchartof such methods in accordance with embodiments. As shown in accordancewith many embodiments the method generally comprises:

-   -   Step 1: Measurer should have the patient place a standard        measurement frame corresponding to the selected frame on to        their face.    -   Step 2: The standard measurement frame should be placed such        that the bridge of the frame sits on the nose of the patient, to        their comfort and wearing preference.    -   Step 3: Measurer should then stand face to face with the patient        at eye level at a range suitable to allow them to mark the        position of the wearer's pupil on the relevant grid. In some        embodiments the distance may be, for example, at approximately        15 to 20 inches from the patient.    -   Step 4: Measurer has the patient focus on the center of        measurer's bridge, and then notes the location of the center of        the patient's pupils on the gridline coordinates imprinted on        the lens of the standard measurement frame. In some embodiments        the measurer may use a suitable erasable marker, such as, for        example, a waterproof marker, to place a mark on the grid.    -   Step 5: Measurer then has the patient remove the standard        measurement frame and records the corresponding coordinate        numbers from the gridlines for both left and right eyes.    -   Step 6: Optionally the measurer may repeat the measurement steps        1 to 5. In such embodiments the measurer has the patient place        the eyewear on their face again and the measurer then checks the        position of the patient's center of the pupils on the gridline        coordinates to confirm the alpha-coordinates.    -   Step 7: After a final set of markings has been determined and        recorded the measurer transfers the gridline coordinates for        both left and right eye of the patient, for that particular        frame, to the manufacturer, such as an optical lab. In        embodiments where marks are made directly on the standard        measurement frame, the measurer then cleans off the markings on        the lens using an appropriate cleanser (e.g., cleaning swabs),        so that the frame can be used again on another patient.    -   Step 8: The optical lab then cross references the gridline        coordinates received from the retail location with the reference        chart for that particular standard frame, and translates the        gridline coordinates into actual PD and SH/FH measurements.

The current eyewear measurement devices, systems and methods allow forthe measurement of PD and SH/FH for a particular frame on a particularpatient, and provides for accurate and simple measurement using thegridline coordinate system described. Unlike PD rulers, pupilometers andapplication based tablet systems, which either only measure one of thesevalues, or require sophisticate operators, the current eyewearmeasurement systems, devices and methods allow for such measurements byuntrained personnel. Moreover, the system, methods and devices inaccordance with embodiments allow for the PD and SH/FH of each eye to bemeasured independent of the other eye, providing accurate measurementsfor each eye. This is particularly helpful for non-symmetrical faces.Because the PD and SH/FH measurements are specific to each frame,accommodating every age group, they are also more accurate. Moreover,although the operation of the systems, methods and devices is relativelystraight-forward they provide a system that can generally measure any PDand any SH/FH (e.g., the measurable PD for adults is in some embodimentsapprox. 55 to 73 mm and for children is in some embodiments from 41 to55 mm, while the measurable SH/FH for multifocal optics in someembodiments ranges 10 to 29 mm, depending on the frame.)

Doctrine of Equivalents

As can be inferred from the above discussion, the above-mentionedconcepts can be implemented in a variety of arrangements in accordancewith embodiments of the invention. Accordingly, although the presentinvention has been described in certain specific aspects, manyadditional modifications and variations would be apparent to thoseskilled in the art. It is therefore to be understood that the presentinvention may be practiced otherwise than specifically described. Thus,embodiments of the present invention should be considered in allrespects as illustrative and not restrictive.

What is claimed is:
 1. An eyewear measurement system comprising at leastone measurement standard eyewear frame having one or more lenses;wherein the one or more lenses have a grid having vertical andhorizontal axes disposed thereon comprised of a plurality of visibleintersecting gridlines, each intersection defining a coordinate point,and, the lenses and gridlines configured to overlay a portion of awearer's field of view when worn by the wearer; and wherein the verticaland horizontal axes are separately labeled and configured to beindicative of at least pupillary distance and segment height such thateach coordinate point on the grid provides a simultaneous measurement ofboth pupillary distance and segment height of a user's pupil in a singlemeasurement.
 2. The system of claim 1, comprising a plurality ofdifferentially sized standard eyewear frames.
 3. The system of claim 1,wherein the gridlines are bounded by a visible perimeter box.
 4. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein separate intersecting gridlines are providedfor each of the user's pupils.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein thegrid has an overall shape selected from the group consisting of squares,rectangles, circles, and polygons.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein thehorizontal axis provides one of either pupillary or interpupillarydistance.
 7. The system of claim 1, wherein the vertical axis providesthe segment height.
 8. The system of claim 1, wherein the coordinatepoints provide a direct measurement of both pupillary distance andsegment height.
 9. The system of claim 1, wherein the coordinate pointson the gridline are arbitrary and the measurement of both pupillarydistance and segment height are provided by a separate lookup table. 10.The system of claim 1, wherein the grids are etched into the lenses. 11.The system of claim 1, wherein the grids are attached to the lenses by atransparent removable film.
 12. A method of measuring the position of auser's pupil comprising: providing a measurement standard eyewear framehaving one or more lenses, wherein the one or more lenses have a set ofvisible intersecting gridlines having vertical and horizontal axes, eachintersection defining a coordinate point, and wherein the vertical andhorizontal axes are separately labeled and configured to be indicativeof at least pupillary distance and segment height such that eachcoordinate point on the grid provides a simultaneous measurement of bothpupillary distance and segment height of a user's pupil in a singlemeasurement; positioning the measurement standard eyewear frame on theuser's face such that the gridlines overlay atop the user's pupils;determining a coordinate point of the gridlines centered on each of theuser's pupils; and obtaining the pupillary distance and segment heightof each of the user's pupils from the determined coordinates.
 13. Themethod of claim 12, further comprising marking the position of theuser's pupils on the lenses.
 14. The method of claim 12, wherein themeasurer is positioned at a distance of between 15 to 20 inches from theuser.
 15. The method of claim 12, further comprising looking up thecoordinate in a separate lookup table.
 16. The method of claim 12,further comprising repeating the measurement at least twice for eachpupil.
 17. The method of claim 12, wherein the gridlines are bounded bya visible perimeter box.
 18. The method of claim 12, wherein separateinterconnecting gridlines are provided for each of the user's pupils.19. The method of claim 12, wherein the horizontal axis provides one ofeither pupillary or interpupillary distance.
 20. The method of claim 12,wherein the vertical axis provides the segment height.